News | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Contributors
Womble Bond Dickinson attorneys have long been committed to using their time and talents to make their communities and teams better. The events of recent weeks have made clear that we must continue to do our part to denounce systemic racial injustice and effect positive change by committing to take action.
With that in mind, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP has joined more than 140 other law firms across the country in the new Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA). The LFAA will coordinate pro bono efforts to address issues of systemic racism, both immediate and long-term. In addition, member firms will work together to eliminate internal policies and practices that may perpetuate racial inequalities within law firms. The LFAA pledges to listen to affected communities for guidance.
The work of the LFAA officially will begin with a virtual summit later this summer. One of the goals of that summit will be to begin work on a Systemic Racism Legal Inventory, “a catalogue of laws, rules, policies and practices that result in negative outcomes for people of color, with priority focus to tackling anti-Black racism as determined by affected communities and policy experts.”
Womble Bond Dickinson Chair & CEO Betty Temple said, “Our firm is fortunate to be home to a tremendous amount of professional talent, and we feel an obligation to use those skills to help others. Issues of racial injustice are particularly important, and we are honored to join the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance to address these problems together.”
Joining the LFAA is just one of several antiracism/pro-inclusion efforts now underway at Womble Bond Dickinson. Earlier this month, Womble Bond Dickinson also added the firm’s support to a Metro Atlanta Chamber effort to encourage Georgia legislators to pass the state’s Hate Crimes Bill. That bill now has been ratified by the General Assembly and is with Gov. Brian Kemp, who has indicated he intends to sign the bill into law.
The firm is also a participant in the Mansfield Rule project, which works to increase inclusion of minority, woman, LGBTQ+ and attorneys with disabilities in hiring and promotions decisions.
Click here to read Womble Bond Dickinson’s statement pledging to combat racism – We stand together.
